Ultimate Costa Rica
Beaches, jungles, volcanoes and wildlife!
Book now for £49
Was £1,395
£837
837
Group Size: Max 20
Trip code: TUCR
Duration: 10 days
It’s easy to see why Costa Rica is one of Lonely Planet's top destinations! With beautiful beaches, unparalleled biodiversity, laid-back locals and a dizzying array of adventure activities in one compact country, it’s perfect for intrepid travellers. We’ll take you on an epic route from San Jose to Santa Teresa with safaris, surf, swimming-holes, zip-lines and star-gazing in between – what are you waiting for?!
Trip highlights
- See Costa Rica’s unique nocturnal animals on a night safari
- Fly over the rainforest canopy on a zip-line in Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Take a sunset yoga class on beautiful Santa Teresa beach
- Get to know the locals at Coope San Juan village
- Soak in the hot springs at La Fortuna
Want to read it later?
Download more trip information and detailed itinerary
- 100% Financially Secure
- We have provided financial bonds which guarantee that your money is totally safe with Gap 360 Ltd.
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- In-country transport between destinations
- Tour guide
- Airport pick up
- San Juan Coope village experience
- Cooking demo & bike ride
- Monteverde night safari
- Cloud forest zip-lining
- El Salto swimming hole visit
- Hot spring visit
- Sunset yoga class
- Beach trip to Montezuma
- 24 hour emergency support
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- International flights
- Return airport transfer
- Most meals, plus snacks and drinks
- Optional activities and excursions
Day 1: San Jose. Welcome to Costa Rica! You’ll be met at the airport by one of our team members and taken to your accommodation in San Jose. Meet with your guide and group this evening for dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Local village experience. Travel to Coope San Juan, a rural community surrounded by pineapple plantations and protected forest. Enjoy a cooking demo before exploring the area on bikes. It’s a really immersive cultural experience.
Day 3: La Fortuna. Today’s destination is the adventure capital of Costa Rica – La Fortuna! Nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, it’s an area rich in geo-thermal activity. We’ll visit one of the local hot springs, complete with waterslides, swim-up bars and waterfalls!
Day 4: La Fortuna. This morning we’re off to El Salto swimming hole. Sunbathe on the rocks or fly over the pool on the rope swing like Tarzan! Try out an adrenaline activity this afternoon. From canyoneering to white-water rafting and volcano hikes, there’s something for everyone.
Day 5: Monteverde. Travel to the Monteverde Cloud Forest today, with a scenic boat ride across the lake. This evening, you’ll experience the best of Costa Rica’s wildlife with a night safari (most animals here are nocturnal). See sloths, armadillos, frogs and snakes – totally magical!
Day 6: Monteverde. This morning we’ll head to one of Monteverde’s mind-blowing zip-lining tracks! Fly through the jungle canopy keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. This afternoon is free for you to spend as you choose, before grabbing some dinner with the group this evening.
Day 7: Santa Teresa. Arrive late afternoon into the beautiful beachside town of Santa Teresa. After you’ve dumped your bag, stroll down to the beach, have a dip and then kick back with a drink on the sands.
Day 8: Santa Teresa. Free day today. Bliss out on the beach, take a surf lesson, or grab an ice-cold smoothie under the palm trees. Later, we’ll get our zen on with a sunset yoga class, then head out for dinner with the group.
Day 9: Montezuma. We’re off to the lovely little beach town of Montezuma today! We’ll head to Montezuma’s Waterfall for a refreshing dip to cool down before wandering into town for a spot of lunch. This afternoon, we’ll soak up some rays and swim in the gorgeous sea at the beach before heading back to Santa Teresa to freshen up ready for a farewell dinner.
Day 10: Santa Teresa and trip end. All good things come to an end and it’s time to either head home or continue your travels. Adios amigos!
+ 25
The prices will load here automatically, if this does not happen for you: Click here to view Prices
Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Most expensive: £1,030 December, 2023
Arrival
You’ll need to arrive into San Jose International Airport (Juan Santa Maria) International Airport (SJO) on day 1. One of our local team will be there to meet you and take you to the accommodation. There are no activities planned apart from an optional dinner and drinks with the group this evening, so arrive whenever suits you.
Departure
Your trip ends in Santa Teresa on day 10. Return transfers are not included however your guide can easily help you arrange this locally.
Most people fly out of San Jose (which is the same airport you fly in to). It takes around 6 hours to get back to San Jose by bus, so you will need to allow plenty of time to accommodate this. We recommend flying out of San Jose the following day.
An alternative (but more expensive) option is flying out of Tambor Airport (TMU) in Santa Teresa. The airport is 29km from Santa Teresa and takes around 40 minutes to travel to by taxi.
Accommodation
9 nights’ accommodation are included as part of this trip. Most nights are twin rooms, with the exception of quad share rooms in Santa Teresa.
Meals
1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 2 dinners are included as part of this trip. You’ll have to buy the rest of your meals yourself. This gives you maximum flexibility to eat where and when you like.
You need to be 18 years old to go on this trip. This trip is designed for 18-35 year olds.
British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You can stay for up to 90 days under a tourist waiver. You may however, need evidence of return or onward travel. Your passport should have at least 1 month’s validity from the date of your departure.
Please note: Visa rules are subject to change. It’s your responsibility to ensure that information is valid at the time of travel.